slipping sideways

Exactly! I keep jumping back and forth between wondering if Suna would think it's a good or a bad thing that Shukaku is gone. It's such irony, really. They fear him and see him as a monster for being Shukaku's vessel, yet they want its power. What I really hope would be touched upon, though, is also Gaara's feelings about it and how the loss of Shukaku has really affected his ability. Obviously he still has control of sand, but I'm guessing he no longer has that automatic sand defense thing going anymore. Being one who is constantly pissed off at Sasuke (and his idiotic choices), I much rather the focus shift to Suna for a bit...